Egypt Seeks Bilateral Cooperation With Nigeria On Power, Housing

The Republic of Egypt has expressed interest in cooperating with Nigeria on power and housing development.
Former Prime Minister and currently Special Assistant to the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Engr Sherif Ismail made this known recently when he, led by the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria and the MD of Arab Contractors, Assem Hanafi, visited the Hon. Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola in his office at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking on his mission, the Egyptian Presidential aide said he was in the country to discuss further cooperation between our two countries in the areas of power and housing.
“We have some mega national projects in the power and housing sector, and have come to Nigeria, our long time partner to explore areas of cooperation,” he said.

Responding, his host, Fashola commended the Ambassador for his tireless efforts at strengthening the diplomatic tie between the two countries, and the MD of Arab Contractors, who also accompanied the Presidential aide, for being a committed long term partner in the area of construction around the country.

The Minister told his guest that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari is focused on infrastructure development, and as such, the visit of the Egyptian envoy was most welcome. Having acknowledged the long relationship between Egypt and Nigeria, Fashola noted: “Trade is also an area of common interest between our two countries, symbolised by many points of interraction.”

Fashola who briefed his guest on the success so far recorded by government regarding housing through the National Housing Pilot Scheme executed in all states of the federation, urged the Egyptian government to rekindle her business interest in the Nigeria power sector, noting that the sector is full of opportunities for investment, especially in the areas of meters, cables and other electrical accessories.

The Minister said due to the huge investment by the government in power, tangible improvement is being witnessed in the sector currently.
“Our average power generation now increases by 1, 000 yearly. The problem now is distribution, and we need a lot of investment there.
“We have a 10-year transmission plan, and now there are about 90 transmission projects at various stages of completion. “We will be available to work with the government and people of Egypt, “ he said.